The Kezoma Village Council today said that village’s critical water supply pipelines and roads have been severely damaged following the diversion of vehicular traffic through the area due to collapse of National Highway-2 near Phesama.
In a representation submitted to Deputy Commissioner Kohima, through the EAC of Kezocha Sub-Division, the Council expressed concerns over the impact of the recent diversion of vehicular traffic through Kezoma village area, following the sinking and complete closure of National Highway-2 (Kohima to Mao Gate) at Phesama, between chainage Km 192.050 to Km192.150.
As per the order of the Deputy Commissioner, lighter motor vehicles (LMVs) travelling towards the southern districts and Manipur were directed to take the alternative route via BSF– Chakhabama – Kezo Town – Kezo Basa – Kezoma – Kidima – Viswema – Mao Gate.
Stating that the village falls directly along this designated diversion route, the Kezoma Village Council stated that the diversion has caused severe damage to the two main pipelines, which is the main source of water supply, originating from Viswema and Pudunumai. It said the stretch beween Kidima (Prayer Park) and Kezoma village (local ground), covering approximately 2 to 3 kilometers have been extensively damaged due to continuous plying of vehicles, especially heavy vehicles.
The Council stated that a ground verification conducted by the Kezoma Water Management Committee on July 17 confirmed multiple breakage with some segments suffering permanent structural damage.
As a result, the village is currently left without any water supply, it stated.
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The Council further stated that despite the standing order of June 1 issued by the Deputy Commissioner, more than 600 vehicles are plying daily through the village. It lamented that the said order has not been implemented effectively. It said heavy vehicles continue to ply, worsening the road condition and also making difficult for LMVs to travel. Besides, the situation has been further exacerbated by continuous heavy rainfall, further aggravating the situation.
In the light of the above submissions, the Kezoma Village Council earnestly appeal to your esteemed office to take the following urgent measures:
1. Intimate and direct the concerned Departments to repair and restore the damaged water pipelines immediately, as currently, the village has no access to potable water; in view of the possible – recurring- damage to the pipelines laid alongside the abovementioned road, the concerned authority may kindly be pleased to explore and execute the laying of a new and alternate pipeline route, away from the main road, so as to prevent further damage and to ensure a sustainable and uninterrupted supply of drinking water to the village.
2. Extend necessary financial and logistical assistance under the Disaster management or
3. Emergency relief funds, considering the nature and damage caused by sudden diversion of route and aggravated by heavy
4. Ensure necessary maintenance and restoration of the damaged road to ensure safe passage for LMVs and for convenient movement of the villagers.
5. Strictly implement the standing order dated 01. 06. 2025, by completely restricting the movement of the heavy vehicles through this route.
6. The Council expressed hope that the district authorities would treat the matter with the seriousness.
